Monday, 31 July 2017

This week I have some time off work. Eldest and I decided to head out early(ish) and have breakfast with a view. Marmalade sandwiches at the top of the hill on a sunny morning were wonderful.
Old John tower looked gorgeous in the morning light, and we had the place to ourselves.
I could have stayed for ages but the boy wanted to move on after he had taken some photos of his own. The path leads down to the stream and...joy....we came across lots of pretty deer. I was fascinated by their velvet covered antlers.
This visit to Bradgate Park was a simply wonderful start to my "staycation" week.
Jacquie x

Saturday, 8 July 2017

Today I'm sharing more summer views. This time from last week's walk with my walking group. They are a very organised lot and thanks to the hard work of the committee we know six months walks in advance. How great is that.

So for what seems like ages, I have been especially looking forward to this walk. I love the peak district and the route was partly familiar, partly new to me.

As we had quiet a long drive to the start point we set off at about 11am, and began climbing. It was warm work but thankfully there was a breeze as we got higher.

I loved the limestone walls and old farm buildings.

Not to mention the far reaching views.

This pretty ancient gatepost caught my eye.

After about 45 minutes we reached this lovely view.

and stopped for a drink. Members of the group will often bring treats to share when it's their birthday. Pam's home made lemon drizzle cake was sooo good.

I often feel a bit frustrated that we rush past things I would love to take better pictures of, but we had 9 miles to cover so I made the most of the stop to try and capture the beauty of the summer flowers and grasses.

The next section of the walk was beautifully cool, as we walked along the wooded hillside and emerged at this stunning and much photographed viewpoint. The panoramic vista from Monsal Head is really something special.

Next the walk followed a route hubby and I took back HERE. This walk was a lot hotter and the water looked very inviting :0)

It was great to see a good amount of water tumbling over the weir...and the trees still looking so beautifully fresh.

I was just telling the walk leader I had seen a Dipper here on my last visit, when she spotted one :0)

We walked happily beside the river Wye, which flows through Monsal dale. Everybody was glad of the shade and I thought this family had found the perfect spot for a paddle.

Perhaps to soon, it was time to climb again.

and leave the shade behind.

As we trudged up Deep Dale this handsome chap hopped across the footpath. Hello Mr Toad.

By 1pm people were beginning to wilt. And we looked for some shade to sit and eat lunch.
Here's my picnic spot, beneath a little Hawthorn tree. My umbrella was usefully employed as a parasol this week :0)

People were dotted about on the hillside. I chose the highest tree and loved the view.

I will admit that Iwas rather glad nobody else joined me. Time to lie down and gaze up at the greenery above me.

and the pretty grasses and Harebells beside me. My only complaint was that the hillside was so steep I had to dig my heels in to stay put, so I couldn't really nod off :0)

The next section of the walk was hot, hot hot. No shade but great views towards Magpie Mine.

Making my own shade.

I love walking through pretty villages. Sheldon certainly came into that category.

As we left the village behind one of our group began to feel rather unwell. Heat exhaustion I supposed, so we made like the animals, and sat in the shade for a while.

Some cold water and a rest seemed to help and we began the final leg of our walk.

I was rather relieved when we all made it back.

I absolutely loved this walk despite the heat. I only wished there had been more time to explore the BEAUTIFUL village of Ashford in the Water before it was time to head home